What this water confidence skill is
Most beginners keep their eyes squeezed shut under the water. This skill is about opening them, briefly at first, and seeing shapes and colours. Everything looks a bit blurry without goggles, and that is completely normal.
It comes after finding the surface after going under. Next comes picking up sunken toys, where looking is part of the game.
See it in action
Swimming Lesson: How to Keep Your Eyes Open Underwater
How to get used to opening the eyes underwater without goggles. Rinse the eyes with fresh water afterwards.
From the AquaMobile YouTube channel
Why it matters
Knowing where you are.
Seeing the floor, the wall and the light above makes it easier to find the way up and out.
Calm if goggles slip.
Goggles fog up, slip and get left at home. A child who can open their eyes without them stays calm.
More fun underwater.
Looking around turns going under from something to get through into something to enjoy.
Who it is for
Children usually learn this once going under feels easy, and many find it exciting once they try. Teens who have always worn goggles may never have tried it, and they are often surprised how manageable it is. If you are learning as an adult, the same short, calm steps apply. Babies and toddlers work on the earlier comfort skills first.
In the pool without goggles
The goal
Your child opens their eyes under the water for a moment and looks around. They can spot a coloured toy or the instructor's fingers and tell you what they saw.
Why it matters
Being able to see underwater helps your child stay calm and find their way. It also makes the next skills far more fun.
What happens in lessons
One quick blink.
Your child starts with a single blink under the water, then comes straight up.
What colour is it?
Your instructor holds a bright toy or some fingers underwater, and your child looks and says what they saw.
Looking a little longer.
Short looks grow into longer ones as your child relaxes, always coming up for a calm breath.
Gentle blinks, not rubbing.
Your child learns to blink a few times after coming up, which eases any sting.
How you can help between lessons
- Fill a bowl with clean tap water and put a spoon or a coloured cup in the bottom. Your child puts their face in and opens their eyes to find it. Stay within arm's reach and tip the water out afterwards.
Common questions
- Why not just use goggles?
- Goggles are great, and they help a lot for swimming lengths later. But they slip, fog up and get forgotten. A child who can open their eyes without them stays calm when that happens.
- Will pool water hurt my child's eyes?
- Pool water can make eyes sting a little, and most children get used to it. A few gentle blinks help more than rubbing. If your child's eyes stay sore or red after swimming, check with a doctor.
- What about contact lenses?
- Water and contact lenses do not mix well, so ask an eye care professional before opening the eyes underwater with lenses in. Many teens and adults take them out or wear goggles. Your instructor is happy to adapt this skill.
- Everything looks blurry. Is my child doing it wrong?
- No. Everyone sees blurry shapes underwater without goggles. Colours and shapes are what matter here, not sharp detail.
